Story by Chan Lilian
Pix by Shum Jian-Wei
COUNCILLOR Dr. Lim Mah Hui (pix) was challenged to manage traffic enforcement during a Penang Forum dialogue held in Komtar on March 1.
The steering committee members of Penang Forum were in Komtar to meet state government leaders over their grouses on the road expansion project in Jalan Masjid Negeri.
Mah Hui is both a Penang Forum member and also a Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor.
During the discussion, members of the Penang Forum had claimed that the MBPP enforcement team was not doing its job of towing away cars which caused traffic congestion.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng then suggested to Mah Hui to accept the challenge to take up the task.
“MBPP has tried to carry out the task and they seem to have done the job but it has not satisfied the public and civil society. Let’s think out of the box. Instead of continuing to blame council enforcement officers, why not you take over the job?” he told Mah Hui.
“If you make me the mayor,” Mah Hui quipped.
He pointed out some past incidences where he tried hard to weed out some of the non-performing enforcement officers but faced difficulties.
“You know that it is easier said than done. What if I give you full authority to take over and tow away the cars that you claim cause traffic congestion?” Guan Eng said.
Mah Hui also suggested that tow truck services be privatised but Guan Eng had voiced his concerns on these being abused.
However, Guan Eng threw the challenge to Mah Hui.
“I never questioned your integrity. I have faith in you. If you can manage privatisation with no abuse of avenue, then why don’t you do it?”
Mah Hui asked to be on the advisory board and offered to help in his capacity as a councillor.
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